News, L.A. City Council approves law targeting pregnancy centers that mislead on abortion : detailed suggestions and opinions about L.A. City Council approves law targeting pregnancy centers that mislead on abortion .
The Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday that prohibits any crisis pregnancy center from misrepresenting the health services it performs, including abortion, and provides individuals legal recourse if they are misled.
The law, introduced by City Atty. Mike Feuer, allows the city to fine a pregnancy center up to $10,000 if it is caught falsely advertising the services it provides, such as prenatal care, abortions or emergency contraceptives. Individuals who are misled by these centers can sue and seek damages under the new law, which takes effect immediately via an urgency clause.
The council approved the ordinance, originally introduced in August, with an 11-0 vote. Councilmembers Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo, who continue to face calls to step down due to them participating in a racist closed-door conversation about council colleagues, did not attend Tuesday’s meeting.
Some crisis pregnancy centers have been known to attract women who are seeking an abortion, and are instead met with efforts to dissuade them from terminating their pregnancies, Feuer said during Tuesday’s council meeting.
